This weekend was the 2nd Annual Cookie Baking Event at my house! My niece and I made several different kinds of cookies together. It is always such a delightful time, as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of Christ!

We made our families cookie recipes – ones that have been passed down through the generations – made by our mothers and grandmothers. We made the buttery, thin and crisp, rolled-out Sand Tarts, the soft cake-like Sugar Cookies, rich and sweet Pecan Balls, and the typical but all-time favorite, soft and chewy Chocolate Chip cookies.

Family is a blessing, and it is such a joy to share the tradition of making cookies together at Christmas time. But it is more than just baking cookies, it is a time of bonding, reminiscing about the past, looking forward to the future, sharing the love of our Lord, and discussing the importance our faith has in our lives. There is as much talking going on as there is baking! Just ask our husbands!

Soft Sugar Cookies

Sand Tarts – our grandma’s recipe

Pecan Balls – lots of butter and finely chopped pecans, first step, baked in the oven…

then rolled in confectioner’s sugar, twice

The joy of this event, led me to the verse below from the book of Luke 2:10.

“But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people”

This is what an angel said to the shepherds in the field on the night of Jesus’ birth. The good news is JESUS – who brings joy to ALL people!

I hope in this season of such busyness, sometimes stressfulness, and maybe illness or even sadness, you can find the great JOY of our Lord in moments throughout your day. Whether it is when you are shopping, at holiday events, family and friend gatherings, or baking cookies together! Think of Jesus and believe in Him! The greatest gift we can receive is in the mystery and wonder of the Holy Child sent from our Father in Heaven. He brings us joy, and He is the reason for celebrating Christmas!

 Happy Cookie Baking!

Blessings,

~Lori

Grandma’s Sand Tarts

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup butter

2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

3 1/2 cups flour

1 egg white

Directions:

Cream butter and sugar until creamy; add eggs. Beat for 2 minutes. Add vanilla. Mix in salt and flour until a dough forms and all ingredients are incorporated. Form dough into a ball and chill for several hours. Remove dough from the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Roll out the dough until VERY thin. Cut out with your favorite cookie cutters. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with colored sugar, or cinnamon sugar, and/or finely chopped peanuts. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Makes 8-10 dozen

Other recipes available upon request. Just let me know!